Dortmund Aims to Pressure Bayern Against Resurgent Mainz

omidbasir- Borussia Dortmund has the opportunity to close the gap to Bayern Munich to just three points as they commence matchday 22 against Mainz 05 on Friday evening. Despite their respective league standings, this encounter features two of the Bundesliga’s most in-form teams. Will BVB apply pressure on Bayern, or will Urs Fischer lead Mainz further away from relegation?

Dortmund has achieved five consecutive wins recently, albeit with varying degrees of convincing performances; yet, such is the BVB way, right?

Kudos to Nico Kovac’s squad, which has suffered only one defeat this season, demonstrating their ability to secure victories even when not at their best. Dortmund supporters were likely relieved to see Serhou Girassay finding the net in back-to-back games, especially after a goal drought lasting over ten matchdays.

Additionally, Julian Brandt contributed to last weekend’s 1-2 triumph against Wolfsburg. Despite his struggles in recent times, with his contract expiring this summer, he may now be determined to showcase his value within the BVB lineup.

However, Dortmund must recognize that, despite their positions in the league, Mainz is not to be underestimated. Since Urs Fischer’s appointment, Mainz has transformed into a formidable side. Previously struggling to secure wins, they have recently triumphed over teams like RB Leipzig, positioning themselves for a comfortable escape from relegation.

It is also worth recalling the dramatic last day of the season a few years ago when all Dortmund needed to secure the title was a victory over Mainz—a moment forever etched in the memories of Bundesliga fans.

The Urs Fischer-led resurgence is perfectly timed with the onset of Karnaval in Germany!

The 59-year-old coach has proven to be a brilliant choice by the Mainz board, who must have felt a miracle was needed for survival in the Bundesliga just a couple of months ago. Who would have guessed that their miracle would manifest in the form of a silver-haired Swiss tactician?

Last weekend, Mainz convincingly defeated FC Augsburg 2-0, with Nadiem Amiri scoring both goals. Under Fischer, Amiri seems to have rediscovered the form that earned him a place in the Germany national team last year. Moreover, Danny da Costa is thriving on the right flank, while midfielders like Jae-Sung Lee have also been instrumental in recent matches.

Although Mainz has not won in Dortmund since 2020, their recent performances inspire confidence that they can secure a positive result on Friday night. Furthermore, a victory would propel Mainz into tenth place before other Bundesliga matches commence this weekend.

Dortmund will be without captain and center-back Nico Schlotterbeck, who received his fifth yellow card of the season last weekend. His absence is expected to lead to a defensive pairing of Anton and Sule, with Ryerson and Svensson occupying traditional full-back roles.

In other developments, Marco Sabitzer may be fit to participate in this match; however, Kovac is anticipated to maintain the midfield partnership of Jude Bellingham and Felix Nmecha, as he did against Wolfsburg last week.

On the other hand, Mainz will miss Lennard Maloney due to illness, alongside goalkeeper Robin Zentner, who has been sidelined with a groin injury since November.